Auckland-based barista Hiroko Hanna Teramoto was crowned as the country's top barista at the NZSCA's recent championships.
Hiroko Hanna Teramoto has been named the Aotearoa Barista Champion for 2025.
This year’s championship reached new heights of emotion with the final six baristas showcasing a level of skill, creativity, and passion never before seen on the national stage. Held in Upper Hutt, it truly felt like anyone could have taken the crown, a testament to the remarkable talent across Aotearoa’s coffee community.
With an outstanding 629 points, Hiroko Hanna Teramoto, representing Mojo Coffee, Auckland, adds her name to the Aotearoa Barista trophy for a third time, after Champion wins in 2014 and 2022.
Teramoto was born in Japan and also spent much of her childhood in Australia. From her dad she learned the values of hard work and standing tall with pride. As a young barista, she came to New Zealand and has been on the barista stage ever since.
Her coffee is from Finca Los Flores, grown by Jhoan Vergara. Featuring an innovative hydro honey processed coffee, in the cup were notes of passionfruit and yoghurt flavour. She served her signature drink first with ingredients containing filtered cascara, creating notes of candied pineapple, yoghurt drops and juicy plums. Her milk course was inspired by childhood memories of her dad giving her flavoured milk, and highlighted ripe banana, crème brûlée, and a cocoa finish.
Her espresso brought together bright notes of passionfruit, pineapple, and raspberry. Her whole routine focused on "Who am I?", and Hiroko Hanna Teramoto told that story beautifully with a Lego display, history and whānau.
An emotional performance, one that had us all reaching for tissues.
Next month, Hiroko Hanna Teramoto will represent New Zealand in the Monin Cup, followed by the World Barista Championship in Panama next October 2026.
Other scores on the night include:
572 Runner Up: Joshua Peacocke, Representing: Mojo Coffee, Auckland
572 Third Place: Heesun Lee, Representing: Atomic Coffee Roasters, Auckland.
570 Fourth Place: Matt Ross Representing: Kindred, Tauranga Supported by: Grey Roasting Co.
554 Fifth Place: Alan Bruce, Representing: Acme Cup Co, Wellington.
520 Sixth Place: Bonnie Lam, Representing: The Coffee Dojo, Wanaka. Supported by: Flight Coffee
And a huge congratulations once again to Tufele Timothy Tavite, representing Strictly Coffee Roasters in Dunedin, who was crowned this year’s People’s Champion. Chosen by you, friends, whānau, customers, and coffee lovers, this award celebrates the aroha and support behind our incredible baristas.
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